PML-N's Bilal Virk announces defection to PTI

Published April 14, 2018
PTI chief Imran Khan welcoming Chaudhry Bilal Ahmed Virk into the fold at Bani Gala, Islamabad. —Photo by author
PTI chief Imran Khan welcoming Chaudhry Bilal Ahmed Virk into the fold at Bani Gala, Islamabad. —Photo by author

PML-N Member of National Assembly (MNA) from Sheikhupura, Chaudhry Bilal Ahmed Virk, has decided to join PTI, DawnNewsTV reported on Saturday.

The lawmaker formally announced his decision after meeting with the PTI chief at his residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Virk expressed complete confidence in PTI's leadership and the party's manifesto.

"Imran Khan is a beacon of hope for the people of Punjab [who want] to rid the province of corruption," Virk said, adding that: "A certain family has robbed Punjab and the entire country of its resources for their personal gain."

It was quite clear he was referring to the Sharifs.

Criticising the family, he said they had "disrespected parliament and attacked government institutions to hide their own misdeeds".

He further accused them of rendering parliament "practically irrelevant" and said they had adopted "the practice of misusing parliament to mar the Constitution and threaten government institutions".

Virk stressed that the country did not need chaos and instead was in dire need of accountability "from the thieves looting it".

He claimed that Khan had become "the voice of the entire nation, especially the people of Punjab" and was confident that the future belonged to PTI and Pakistan.

The PTI chief welcomed Virk and his supporters into the fold.

"April 29 is the day to raise the foundations for a new Pakistan," he said.

Imran said that the people of Pakistan were ready to declare their support for the judiciary and institutions.

He also voiced his appreciation for the chief justice and his team for having made accountable a "powerful mafia".

Reiterating Virk's statements, he said that the Sharifs "had forced the nation into slavery, poverty and ignorance to amass wealth for their children".

"An era of ideological politics is returning to Pakistan," the PTI chief said before triumphantly adding that blackmailing institutions and escaping accountability will no longer be tolerated.

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
31 Mar, 2025

Not helping

THE continued detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders — including Dr Mahrang Baloch in Quetta and Sammi ...
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...